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NMCA IS OK FOR REST OF THE SEASON

DRO has been getting lots of phone calls and inquiries about the supposed folding of NMCA. Most of the callers had either heard a rumor or seen something on the Internet. So DRO made a couple of calls and we believe that we can give racers the assurance that, at least through the end of the year, NMCA will be running. We heard a rumor that Memphis Motorsports Park had already cancelled their event. We called Pete Wickham of Dover Downs Entertainment and asked. He called back in about an hour and assured us that the race date was still firm and that they were looking forward to the event. We then called a couple of our sources at the old Petersen Publishing, including NMCA head man Pete Duhart. Duhart assured us that even though the rumors that Emap USA was for sale were true, that situation didn't affect the rest of the 2001 NMCA season.

"I have signed contracts for the rest of the 2001 NMCA race schedule. In addition Emap/Petersen has put up the $100,000 points fund. It will be paid at the end of the season. We're especially looking forward to Memphis, the birthplace of this kind of racing, we've got a lot of special things planned for that event," Duhart told DRO.

In addition, DRO called Car Craft Magazine publisher, Jim Adolph, who administrates the Car Craft All-Star program and he told us that at least some of the NMCA classes would be on the ballot. That doesn't assure that all of the NMCA races will be run but it is certainly a favorable factor.
(Jeff Burk file photo)

MOONEYES UPS GOODGUYS/VRA TOP FUEL BONUS
In an exclusive sponsorship for the upcoming Goodguys Spring Nitro Classic May 5-6 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Mooneyes will offer $500 cash bonuses to the Top Fuel Low Qualifier and to the Top Fuel Champion.

Mooneyes, USA Inc. first sponsored the Low Qualifier at the season-opening March Meet at Bakersfield.

"The Low Qualifier Bonus at the March Meet was the best $500 we've ever spent," said Mooneyes executive Chico Kodama. "We kind of overlooked the fact that the promotion wasn't a weekend-long deal because qualifying is over Saturday afternoon. This time we'll be supporting the Top Fuel racers the whole weekend, which should make for some exciting racing!"

ALL-STAR BANQUET MOVES DATE AND SITE
The Car Craft Magazine All-Star Drag Racing Team awards banquet will permanently move from its traditional Saturday date during the running of the NHRA U.S. Nationals to Thursday evening.

"We feel this will benefit everyone involved," said Car Craft Magazine publisher Jim Adolph, "It will make things easier for the racers, manufacturers and the fans."

This year's banquet will take place on Thursday, August 31, at the new downtown Marriott in Indianapolis.

DRAG RACING, HAWAIIAN STYLE
Going to Hawaii for vacation? What's the first thing you think of? Drag racing, of course. If you'd be interested in seeing drag racing while on the Big Island, check out www.hawaiiracingassoc.com. They're trying to convince the local government that tourists would support races at the proposed Kona Motorsport Park. Aloha!